Last Canterbury Flu Centre to Close

MEDIA RELEASE
TO: News Room
FROM: Michele Hider, Communications Manager
DATE: 17 August 2009
SUBJECT: Last Canterbury Flu Centre to Close

Christchurch’s St Asaph St Flu Centre – the last remaining Canterbury Flu Centre - will close at the end of business tomorrow, Tuesday 18 August.

All other Flu Centres closed last week in response to diminishing numbers of Cantabrians with influenza.

The Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37 will also close at the end of the day tomorrow. From now people who are worried about their flu symptoms should call their GP, After Hours surgery or Healthline ( 0800 611 116). As always, in an emergency they should call 111.

“It is particularly important that anyone who has a long term health condition or who is pregnant contacts their General Practice or After Hours surgery promptly if they develop flu symptoms,“ Dr Phil Schroeder, leader of the Canterbury Primary Care Pandemic Group said.

“We are really thankful that the public have responded so well to messages about staying at home when they are sick. However, anecdotally we are hearing that some people are going to work and school with influenza symptoms now that the worst of the influenza season has passed. This is never a good idea as they put other people at risk of getting sick including some who may be at risk of complications from the flu,” he said.

“If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms you should stay at home, away from work, school and public places. Most people with influenza can manage at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for pain or a fever. Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands regularly will help to prevent others around you from getting sick. “

For more information about influenza in Canterbury see the Canterbury District Health Board’s influenza website www.fluinfo.org.nz

ENDS

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